Hornby Class 56
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL R30082 BR Class 56 56086 BR ‘large logo’ blue ◆ PRICE £217.99 ◆ AVAILABILITY Hornby stockists Web www.hornby.com
From the outside, the Class 56 tooling appears unchanged, yet the model’s circuitry has been significantly upgraded to include a 21‑pin DCC interface
Hornby was on something of a roll when its all-new Class 56 arrived in 2007, following on the heels of the Class 50 and ‘31’, each of which still stand up as impressive models today. Announced as part of Hornby’s 2021 plans was an upgrade to the Class 56’s technical specification, but various global issues led to inevitable delays and the revamped models finally arrived late last year.
From the outside, the Class 56 tooling appears unchanged, yet the model’s circuitry has been significantly upgraded to include a 21-pin DCC interface. The extra functionality for digital users will certainly please those with a predilection for sound. Indeed, extra space is now available for a decent speaker to be installed within the bodyshell.
In another welcome tweak, the power connections for the lighting circuits are hard-wired, which is an improvement over the temperamental copper contacts of old. There’s enough leeway in the cables to allow the body to be removed from the chassis without disconnecting anything, although plug connectors on the main PCB will free the body completely if required.
The same powerful five-pole motor, twin flywheels and all-wheel drive is featured, offering smooth, reliable performance. It’s not all ‘gains’, though, as the radiator roof fans are no longer powered via the main drive train, but I’m not sure how many modellers will miss this feature.
Our sample depicts Doncaster-built 56086, in BR’S ‘large logo’ livery, as it appeared new in 1980 until the middle of the decade, when it gained Railfreight colours. Accordingly, it lacks the orange cant rail stripe, applied to similarly attired ‘56s’ in the late 1980s.
Another upgraded option comes in the form of 56047, in Rail blue. The quality of assembly and finish is high, with the paintwork and printing (including the air horn grille detail) tidily applied. I like the slightly subdued shade of orange on the nose-mounted multiple working sockets, as these have been a little over-bright on some previous releases. A full set of cosmetic bufferbeam details is provided in a small bag, although the brake hoses no longer come with pre-painted valves and connectors.
It's good to see the ‘56’ receiving an uplift in technical specification and, although a competitor’s version will soon be arriving, Hornby’s model still offers a very attractive option. (GD)